After the Senate passed the polarizing GOP tax bill in a 51 to 48 vote in Washington early Wednesday morning, Democratic lawmakers lambasted their Republican colleagues, nearly all of whom voted for the bill.

"When the story of this tax plan is written, congressional Republicans will be remembered for never wavering in their determination to give a massive tax cut to corporations," Sen. Cory Booker said in a statement. "It's foolhardy at best and deceitful at worst."

"This bill will exacerbate inequality, not ameliorate it," Booker continued. "It's irresponsible, reckless, unjust, and just plain cruel – and for these reasons and more, today is one of my most disappointing days as a U.S. Senator."

"We are witnessing highway robbery in broad daylight and a looting of the Federal Treasury," Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said in a passionate speech Wednesday.

12PHOTOS

Rising political stars to watch in 2018

See Gallery

Rising political stars to watch in 2018

Randy Bryce (D)

Bryce made waves earlier this year when he announced he would run against House Speaker Paul Ryan in the 2018 midterm elections. Bryce, a Democrat, is a U.S. Army veteran, cancer survivor and union ironworker.

Rep. Scott Taylor, (R-VA)

A former Navy SEAL, Taylor has represented Virginia's 2nd District since he was elected in 2016. He has branded himself as a Republican lawmaker who is unafraid to speak out against President Trump and members of his own party -- recently calling out Roy Moore for allegations of sexual misconduct.

Rep. Seth Moulton, (D-MA)

39-year-old Seth Moulton has increasingly emerged as a prominent House member and one to watch within the Democratic party. He served four tours of duty in Iraq and notably serves as the. Recently, he has advocated for "a new generation" of Democratic leadership.

Rep. Chris Collins, (R-NY)

Collins was elected to represent New York's 27th district on Capitol Hill in 2012, and has since positioned himself as a vocal right-wing defender within the Republican party. He also came out as one of President Trump's most vocal supporters leading up to an after the 2016 election.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.)

Krishnamoorthi was elected in 2016 -- making him one of the more freshman lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Still, the former lawyer with a past of aiding the Obama administration has played an integral role this year in congressional investigations into the Trump campaign's potential ties to Russia. As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, he has taken many opportunities to speak critically of the clearance aides like Jared Kushner have -- and has firmly positioned himself as a staunch opponent of GOP efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, (R-AK)

As one of 21 women currently serving in the U.S. Senate, Murkowski has positioned herself as a more moderate leader within the Republican party. Murkowski refused to toe the party line on an attempted Obamacare repeal earlier this year, and has since raised skepticism over specific elements of the GOP tax bill and Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore.

Rep. Charlie Crist, (D-Fla.)

Crist is one of the more interesting players currently positioned in the political landscape. Once a Republican, Crist served as both attorney general and governor of Florida -- but then switched to a member of the Independent and eventually Democratic party. In his current House role representing Florida's 13th congressional district, Crist has emerged as a Democrat unafraid to take a middle-ground approach in his policy stances.

Sen. Tom Cotton, (R-AR)

As the youngest U.S. senator, Cotton's political future currently looks very bright. As one of the few Capitol Hill lawmakers that has yet to have a public feud -- on Twitter or otherwise -- with President Trump, Cotton was recently on the shortlist to replace Mike Pompeo as CIA director if Pompeo replaced Rex Tillerson as secretary of state.

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, (D-NV)

Catherine Cortez Masto is the first Latina ever elected to the U.S. Senate.

Governor-elect Ralph Northam (D-VA)

Northam was elected governor of Virginia in the series of "anti-Trump" Election Day victories Democrats celebrated in Nov. 2017. Northam's victory over Ed Gillespie signaled a potential shift in the oft-fraught over Virginia battleground state -- and Northam's gubernatorial tenure will be one to eye in the context of midterms and the 2020 presidential election.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D, NY)

Many who watch politics closely have noted Gillibrand as one to watch since she was appointed to Hillary Clinton's former Senate seat in 2009, and then elected in 2012. Early in her Senate career, Gillibrand used her position as a member of the Committee on Armed Services to chalk up a major legislative win by championing the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Gillibrand has also recently spoken out against sexual harassment allegations stemming from both Democratic and Republican offices -- calling on both Sen. Al Franken and President Trump to resign.

Up Next

See Gallery

Discover More Like This

HIDE CAPTION

SHOW CAPTION

of

SEE ALL

BACK TO SLIDE

Split on party lines, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) managed to recruit all Republican senators except for Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who is at home resting after receiving treatment for brain cancer last week. The bill is scheduled to go back to the House for a technical vote before it lands on President Donald Trump's desk for his signature.

"It was a farce," Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware said in a statement. "From the start, Republicans' race to get partisan tax reform across the finish line has made a mockery of our legislative process."

"My Republican colleagues are desperate for a win, and clearly willing to call anything a win," Carper continued.

Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia issued a terse statement: "This is the worst piece of legislation we have passed since I arrived in the Senate."

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said on Twitter: "The bill that the Republicans jammed through the Senate tonight isn’t tax reform. It’s a heist. Let's call this out for what it is: Government for sale."

"Sooner or later, a reckoning is coming," Warren warned. "And I will promise you this: When it does, the politicians who lead this Congress & voted for this tax heist will be held accountable for turning their backs on the American people."

15PHOTOS

13 states that tax Social Security income

See Gallery

13 states that tax Social Security income

1. Colorado

Photo credit: Getty

2. Connecticut

Photo credit: Getty

3. Kansas

Photo credit: Getty

4. Minnesota

Photo credit: Getty

5. Missouri

Photo credit: Getty

6. Montana

Photo credit: Getty

7. Nebraska

Photo credit: Getty

8. New Mexico

Photo credit: Getty

9. North Dakota

Photo credit: Getty

10. Rhode Island

Photo credit: Getty

11. Utah

Photo credit: Getty

12. Vermont

Photo credit: Getty

13. West Virginia

Photo credit: Getty

Up Next

See Gallery

Discover More Like This

HIDE CAPTION

SHOW CAPTION

of

SEE ALL

BACK TO SLIDE

The bill, which is expected to make sweeping changes to the current tax code for businesses and individual taxpayers, managed to pass the House by a comfortable margin with its 227-203 vote Tuesday afternoon.